Sabercats in search of another New England Football League title

FITCHBURG -- Don't expect the Central Mass. Sabercats to sit around and get fat off of last year's semi-pro New England Football League A championship.

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The Sabercats are still hungry to win and prove they belong as the new guys on the block in AA now.

"Our expectations are still the same as last year," Sabercats head coach Tim Wilson said during Tuesday's practice behind St. Bernard's Elementary School. "Losing is not an option. We're stepping up this year. I don't care what level we're at, it's still football and it's all about attitude."

The Sabercats were a perfect 11-0 in winning the A title last year, and the expectations are to win again in 2014.

"I think teams know now that we're for real," said middle linebacker Ryan Rendon, a 2004 Leominster High grad. "We did what we were supposed to do last year, we beat everybody they put in front of us. That's what we're going to do this year. I feel like we have something to prove. We're hungry; we don't want to lose. We're not trying to lose, ever."

As assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Bill Nash said: "Losing is not an option. I hold these guys to a high standard because they're good athletes."

This season started with a bang for the Sabercats, who pitched a 28-0 shutout at the Worcester Wildcats last Saturday in their AA debut in the North Atlantic Conference Central Division.

The home opener for the Sabercats will be played on Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. at historic Doyle Field against the East Coast Ducks.

Both offensively and defense, the Sabercats plan on making a weekly statement by unleashing great talent all over the field.

"We have a lot of talent, and that's exciting," said offensive tackle Dave Buchanan. "Playmakers and space, that's what football is all about. That doesn't have to be a lot of space. A little space and they can make huge plays."

Offensively, the Sabercats run a spread offense, directed by 39-year-old quarterback Frankie Desiderio -- the league MVP last season.

"He brings a knowledge of the game that he can teach to the kids, which makes our whole team better," Buchanan said. "He's one of the smartest quarterbacks I've ever played with. He knows where to put the football."

One of those young, but talented playmakers is former Fitchburg High superstar Quinton Perkins, an explosive wide receiver who can score from anywhere on the field.

"I'm still the same player, still don't want to hit nobody, still just trying to be elusive and get to the corner," said the 21-year-old Perkins. "I'm just trying to use my speed and looking to score. I'm not trying to get a first down, I'm trying just to score."

Kyle Quinn, Dustin LeClair and Tyler Hood are also solid receivers, while Dwayne Simon is the lead running back.

"He's the deal right there," said Wilson about Simon. "He'll run you over and get you that extra yard. He's an all-purpose back."

Every good offense has a good line. The Sabercats are strong up front with center Josh Mason, guards Mike Gentilella and David Garcia, and tackles Buchanan, Ryan and Adam Brunt.

"We want to be balanced this year as far as our passing and running game," Wilson said.

The Sabercats' base 4-3 defense is anchored by middle linebacker and league defensive MVP Rendon.

Rendon is joined by Simon, Anton Wilbon and Cody Chick at linebacker. The clutch secondary is comprised of strong safety Brandon Perotto, free safety Rayshawn Link and corners Alan Alvarez and Terrance Neverez.

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